Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd), has shared his perspective on why Nigeria experienced five military coups between 1966 and 1985.
He argued that military governments often implemented more development projects than their civilian counterparts.
Babangida’s views were outlined in his autobiography, A Journey in Service, where he discussed the motivations behind military takeovers, historical factors that led to them, and the structural reforms introduced by military rulers.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s past, Babangida pointed out that military interventions were sometimes triggered by governance failures.
He stated that when civilian administrations struggled to manage the country effectively, the military often felt compelled to step in.
He cited the political crises of the First Republic, corruption, and instability as factors that fueled coups.
The former head of state also touched on the role of military rulers in shaping Nigeria’s political structure, News About Nigeria reports.
He noted that military governments initiated state creation, infrastructure development, and reforms that addressed national unity.
He referenced General Yakubu Gowon’s policies, including the creation of states and the launch of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), as efforts to stabilize the country after the civil war.
Babangida acknowledged that military rule had its shortcomings but insisted that it played a role in Nigeria’s development.
He said that while coups should not be encouraged, they often occurred in response to the failures of political leaders.
According to him, the best way to prevent future coups is through good governance that prioritizes the welfare of citizens.
Babangida reaffirmed his stance that democracy remains the best system for Nigeria, despite the military’s past influence on governance.
